The group — defenseman Matt Berkovitz, winger Matt Freytag, center Luke Kunin, center Seamus Malone, goaltender Luke Opilka and defenseman Peter Tischke — are driven prospects that will bring a compelling sense of energy to the Badgers in 2015-16.
Michael Lackey finished the tournament ranked first in both goals-against average (0.75) and save percentage (.958). Teammate Luke Opilka (St. Louis, Mo.) registered a 1.00 GAA (tied for second) and .927 save percentage (sixth).
Colin White (Hanover, Mass.) and Matthew Tkachuk (St. Louis, Mo.) scored two goals and added one assist each, as the U.S. Men’s National Under-17 Team defeated Canada’s Team Quebec, 9-1, here tonight at Centre 200 in semifinal action at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. With the win, Team USA advances to the title game tomorrow at 4 p.m. EST.
USA Hockey today announced the 22-player roster for the U.S. Men’s National Under-17 Team that will compete in the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Dec. 28, 2013 – Jan. 4, 2014, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Luke Kunin arrived in Ann Arbor, Mich., in August ready to embark on a two-year journey with the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. And he arrived with two of his former teammates.
A good week for the Badgers’ hockey program became great Friday, when 1997-born St. Louis product Luke Kunin gave Wisconsin a verbal commitment. Earlier in the week fellow top 1997-born prospect Brock Boeser out of Burnsville, Minn., gave the Badgers his pledge.
Kunin comes from the St. Louis Blues Midget Minor program where he totaled 68 points (30-38) in 34 games during the 2012-13 season. He also tallied two goals and added four assists in five playoff games.
Opilka was most recently featured between the pipes for the St. Louis Blues Midget Minor program, where he posted a 18-2-1 (W-L-T) record. He recorded a 1.55 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage while earning four shutouts.
